Miracle on 34th Street doesn’t fit today’s standards for what makes a movie Christmassy. It involved a cynical child and a Santa Claus who gets locked up in a mental health institution before undergoing a public psych hearing. Not only that, but the movie was released in June of 1947. And yet, it has gone on to become not only a beloved movie, but also a cherished tradition. How did that happen? We’ll find out with the help of film critic Alonso Duralde.
A very special thanks to Chris Osborne and Austin Beach for appearing in the opening skit. And also to Jimmy Atkins for permission to play his music along with his Christmas memory. (see links below)
Miracle on 34 Street 1947 trailer
Links
- Alonso Duralde’s book: Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas
- Alonso Duralde’s movie review podcast: Linoleum Knife
- Ruddy Man Beard Company
- Jimmy Atkins’ music site
- Chris Osborne’s Play Comics
- Austin Beach’s Audioblivious Productions
- The Christmas Podcast Network
- Can’t Wait for Christmas
Music in this episode
- “Losing Love” — Dexter Britain, via Free Music Archive
- “Hard Boiled” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
- “Cherry Blossom” — Kevin MacLeod, via Incompetech
- “Sad Marimba Planet” — Lee Rosevere, via Free Music Archive
- “Do You Hear What I Hear?” — Jimmy Atkins, via Jimmy Atkins Music